Ukrainian Forces Experience Tactical Success with U.S.-Supplied Weapons

  • Date: June 22, 2024
  • Location: Kharkiv, Ukraine

Overview:
Ukrainian forces have recently seen success in their defense efforts against Russian advances using U.S.-supplied weapons. The permission to conduct limited strikes within Russian territory has altered the dynamics on the northeast front, leading to Ukrainian forces pushing back Russian troops and fortifying their positions, particularly near the strategic city of Kharkiv.

Recent Developments:
– The U.S. allowed Ukraine to use Western artillery and rocket systems for defensive operations against Russian positions located in border regions.
– Since late May, Ukrainian forces have managed to disrupt Russian troop movements and air defense systems within 20 kilometers of the border, leading to slowed Russian momentum and small Ukrainian offensives.

Key Players:
– Ukrainian Military: Utilizing newly permitted defensive strikes.
– U.S. Government: Allowed the use of supplied weapons with limitations.
– Russian Forces: Engaging in new offensive actions, particularly around Kharkiv.
– Local Commanders: Ukrainian commanders like Hefastus and Kalina emphasize the need for long-range missiles such as ATACMS to enhance effectiveness.

Current Restrictions:
Despite the recent permission expansion, the U.S. maintains restrictions on the use of long-range missiles (ATACMS) against targets deep within Russian territory. Ukrainian officials argue that lifting these restrictions is crucial for targeting high-value military resources.

Ongoing Conflict:
As the war extends into its third year, both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to target each other’s infrastructure. Recent attacks include Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities and Ukrainian military actions against oil refineries in southern Russia.

Casualties and Damage:
– Kharkiv: Three people killed and 19 wounded in recent shelling.
– Zaporizhzhia and Lviv: Missile attacks damaged energy facilities, injuring two workers.
– Additional regions in eastern Ukraine and Russia have also reported casualties and infrastructure damage from ongoing skirmishes.

Conclusion:
While Ukrainian forces have seen strategic gains with U.S.-supplied weapons, ongoing requests to lift restrictions on the use of long-range missiles highlight the challenges faced in the broader conflict. The situation remains dynamic, with both sides continuously adapting their tactics.